The Dresser (1983 Peter Yates)

At first sight, an unusual choice for Yates, better known for Bullitt, though one of his early jobs was a theatre manager. He was nominated for this and I'm not quite sure why - though I liked the choice of long shots of the performances from the audience POV. It is a film of Ronald Harwood's adaptation of his own play, with Albert Finney playing a monstrous borderline-nutcase old time theatre actor (based on Sir Donald Wolfit) and Tom Courtenay as his loyal dresser and servant (Harwood's alter ego) in wartime Bradford. 'Sir' is so loud, so volatile, so difficult, so tormented that it's difficult to watch, though Courtenay is a balance of wit, support and common sense (helped by the odd nip of brandy).

Was Finney considered for Dumbledore!

It seems that Sir only stabilises when he's actually started his performance, a frightening commentary on the psychological oddities of the profession.

Eileen Atkins is the stage manager who has loved Sir for many a year, Edward Fox a disrespectful actor.

Nominated for top four awards by both Academys but won none.